DataDome Blog

Well after a lot of hype and anticipation the iPad a.k.a. the “game changer” hit the market and love it or loathe it, Steve Jobs’ new vision for how we interact with computers is making its mark on our culture. Apps are already appearing in abundance and legions of users are taking the plunge with the new device, including our old friends the High D, High I, High S and High C…

The High D was the first in town to get the iPad, but he didn’t wait in line – that’s what assistants are for, right? He wanted THE BEST model, but when his assistant called from the store to ask which configuration to buy he lost patience and just barked at the assistant to “get the job done and get back to work”. First app loaded: Dragon Dictation.

The High I was shopping at the mall the day the iPads came out, but she didn’t know it ahead of time. She just got there and saw a big line outside the store and struck up a conversation with some of the folks in the line. Before long she knew half the line by first name and was having such a good time she ended up at the counter before she realized it – and she just HAD TO show it to her co-workers so she bought it on impulse. Then spent the rest of the day touring the office so all her friends could see it. First app loaded: Facebook.

The High S is just getting comfortable with his desktop and is worried that the office IT department is going to switch him to a laptop, which would mean taking away the desktop computer. He wouldn’t say no of course because he wouldn’t want to upset the technician, but he has no idea how he would be able to get any work done on the new machine, and where would he put his sticky notes? When a friend showed him an iPad he was upset to see him touch the screen – you’re not supposed to touch computer screens, right? First app loaded: N/A, still using Lotus Notes.

The High C pre-ordered her iPad. She read up on the lines that formed when the iPhone was released and used the data to plan a meticulous schedule for an efficient pick-up the day her iPad arrived. She was originally going to pass on the iPad because a line-by-line comparison of specs with several tablet computers and netbooks revealed missing features. In the end her spread-sheet analysis of increased productivity due to the extended battery life won her over to make the purchase. First app loaded: Project Planner.

DISC behavior is seldom this polarized around a single behavioral style, but we hope you found this to be an amusing and informative speculation. Part of the remarkable value of DISC is that understanding a person’s profile can help anticipate behaviors even when someone is shopping for Apple’s hot new gadget!

Behavioral style, that is.

Here’s a little holiday fun – a look at Thanksgiving from each of the DISC categories.

D Style

For high D’s, Thanksgiving is a time to catch up. They never get enough done anyway, so good time to have a short dinner and go on to accomplish other things. Typically, they plan at the last minute – guests, shopping, etc. – and with goals in mind – personal and/or business. Often, when they realize there is not time enough to properly make dinner, they will go out/take everyone to a restaurant.

If they do attempt to make it themselves, better get out of the kitchen. No rules here! The high D goes with whatever looks fast and efficient. Something will probably fall through the cracks, so be prepared to scramble to compensate (run to the store). Once dinner is over, it is over. They will not want to clean up, as they already did all the work/mess. What’s next to do/conquer?

I Style

High I’s look at Thanksgiving as a great opportunity to party. Everything is exciting this time of year, from shopping, to preparing, to the party itself. And everyone must have a good time! They love to decorate for the party and to invite as many friends, family and neighbors as they can seat, especially anyone who may be alone (their worst fear)! If there are too many, they may ask to go pot-luck – everyone bring their favorite _____! And expect creative fun – putting certain people with others, icebreakers to get strangers to converse, anything and everything to keep everyone happy and talking. Often I’s realize that around the holiday is a good time to catch up on work, as all those distracting conversations that always prevent accomplishing things are now impossible, as everyone else is on vacation. Amazing how much more gets done with no one to talk to!!

S Style

High S’s like to be well prepared, with no surprises. They will start preparing well in advance, with lots of home-made items – not the quick off-the-shelf stuff! They will prepare foods they know everyone in the family will like – from family traditions to special dishes for those with special tastes/needs. Try something different? Only if somebody new is coming and they may like something else – better be prepared! The S will drive to grandma’s house using the same route every year. Like the high I, Thanksgiving Day is not a time to be alone, often friends will act as the substitute family. To the high S, making everyone feel comfortable and relaxed is a major focus. They may even have home-made treats for pets to take home, and they probably know everyone’s family members (and pets) by name.

C Style

High C’s are quite a bit different, not necessarily appreciating large gatherings. Quality is more important, both in people and food. They may eat out at a nice place with just a few close friends or family. If they do prepare dinner themselves, they will probably prepare from exact recipes. They will require exactly the right shopping ingredients. They may even send out invitations that require an RSVP. The event itself is typically more formal, from places to sit to décor (and rarely much in leftovers). Be careful if you ask a C how they prepared a particular dish. You will get not only more detail than you ever could imagine, you will also get everything else from prices to the best stores to buy from to seasonal influences, etc. Be careful if you criticize a C – you may get an explanation of why you are not exactly right. And if you offer to help clean up, you better be good at it (i.e. immaculate).

Did you recognize yourself? Or maybe a relative? Whatever your behavioral profile we here at Data Dome wish you and your family a safe and fun Thanksgiving holiday!